Sound output apparatus

ABSTRACT

A stable wearing state on an ear is secured. A speaker that outputs sound; a speaker arrangement portion in which the speaker is arranged therein; and a sound guiding pipe in which one end portion is continuous with the speaker arrangement portion and an internal space is formed as a sound guiding space that leads the sound outputted from the speaker are provided, in which an opening that emits the sound toward an ear is formed at the other end of the sound guiding pipe. The sound output apparatus is worn on the ear by sandwiching the outer peripheral portion of the auricle between the sound guiding pipe and the speaker arrangement portion or by the sound guiding pipe so that a stable wearing state on the ear can be secured.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. 371 andclaims the benefit of PCT Application No. PCT/JP2017/025429 having aninternational filing date of 12 Jul. 2017, which designated the UnitedStates, which PCT application claimed the benefit of Japanese PatentApplication Nos. 2016-169333 filed 31 Aug. 2016 and 2017-013705 filed 27Jan. 2017, the entire disclosures of each of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to a technical field of a sound outputapparatus in which a speaker is arranged therein and which is used bybeing worn on an ear.

BACKGROUND ART

There is a sound output apparatus which is worn on a head to be used asa headphone or an earphone and outputs sound from a speaker.

In recent years, in addition to the mode of being used indoors, the modeof being used outdoors is also increased in the sound output apparatus.In a case where the sound output apparatus is used outdoors, it isdesirable that sound outputted from the sound output apparatus andexternal sound both be audible to a user in consideration of the safetyof not only the user but also pedestrians, drivers and the like existingaround the user.

Various types of sound output apparatuses have been developed as typesthat make both sounds of the sound outputted from such a sound outputapparatus and the external sound audible (e.g., see Patent Document 1and Patent Document 2).

The sound output apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is configuredsuch that a vibrating element as a driver for sound output is arrangedinside a housing, vibration occurring at the vibrating element istransmitted to the ear bone existing around the external auditory canaland transmitted to the brain from the ear bone via the skull and thelike, and sound recognition is performed.

In this sound output apparatus, a through hole penetrating the housingand the vibrator is formed, and external sound is transmitted to theuser through the through hole without interrupting the vibration of thevibrator.

In the sound output apparatus described in Patent Document 2, a housingis constituted by an insertion portion and a transmission member, anelectroacoustic conversion element and a vibrating body as drivers forsound output are arranged inside the transmission member, and a plug,which is movable in the inside and the outside of the insertion portion,is provided. A through hole that makes external sound audible is formedin the insertion portion.

This sound output apparatus is worn on an ear in a state where a part ofthe insertion portion is inserted into the external auditory canal, andthe transmission member is in contact with the tragus and the antitragusat the front of the insertion portion. The vibration occurring at theelectroacoustic conversion element is transmitted from the vibratingbody to the transmission member, the transmitted vibration istransmitted to the brain from the ear bone via the skull and the like,and sound recognition is performed. The external sound vibrates to thespace between the plug and the eardrum and is transmitted to the user.At this time, it is possible to change the manner in which the externalsound is heard by moving the plug.

CITATION LIST Patent Document

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-208220

Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2014-96739

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

Incidentally, since the sound output apparatus described in PatentDocument 1 is axially formed and used in a state of being inserted intothe external auditory canal, there is a possibility that the soundoutput apparatus falls off from the ear in a case where the user movesgreatly, or the like.

On the other hand, the sound output apparatus described in PatentDocument 2 has a portion, which is axially formed and inserted into theexternal auditory canal, and a hook member, which is formed in asubstantially semicircular arc shape and worn on the root portion of theauricle. Compared with the sound output apparatus described in PatentDocument 1, the stability of the wearing state is enhanced by having thehook member.

However, since the hook member is in a state of being hooked on the rootportion of the auricle from above, particularly for a long-haired usersuch as a woman, the hair interferes with the hook member, making itdifficult to hook the hook member on the root portion of the auricle.Thus, there is a possibility that sufficient stability of the wearingstate cannot be secured.

Thereupon, the sound output apparatus of the present technologyovercomes the problems described above and aims to secure a stablewearing state on the ear.

Solutions to Problems

Firstly, a sound output apparatus according to the present technologyincludes: a speaker that outputs sound; a speaker arrangement portion inwhich the speaker is arranged therein; and a sound guiding pipe in whichone end portion is continuous with the speaker arrangement portion andan internal space is formed as a sound guiding space that leads thesound outputted from the speaker, in which an opening that emits thesound toward an ear is formed at the other end of the sound guidingpipe, and the sound output apparatus is worn on the ear in a state wherean outer peripheral portion of an auricle is sandwiched between a partof the speaker arrangement portion and a part of the sound guiding pipeor between respective parts of the sound guiding pipe.

Accordingly, the sound output apparatus is worn on the ear bysandwiching the outer peripheral portion of the auricle between thesound guiding pipe and the speaker arrangement portion or by the soundguiding pipe.

Secondly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it is desirablethat the opening be positioned at an inner space of the auricle.

Accordingly, the opening is positioned close to the external auditorycanal.

Thirdly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it is desirablethat the opening be positioned at a cavum concha.

Accordingly, the opening is positioned close to the external auditorycanal.

Fourthly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it is desirablethat the part of the sound guiding pipe be formed as an ear contact facein contact with the auricle, and the ear contact face be formed in acurved shape.

Accordingly, the ear contact face formed in a curved shape is broughtinto a state of being in contact with the auricle, and an excessive loadis not applied to the auricle from the sound guiding pipe.

Fifthly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it is desirablethat the part of the speaker arrangement portion be formed as anabutting face that can be in contact with the auricle, and the abuttingface be formed in a planar shape.

Accordingly, the abutting face formed in a planar shape is brought intoa state of being in contact with the auricle, and an excessive load isnot applied to the auricle from the sound guiding pipe.

Sixthly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it is desirablethat the sound guiding pipe be provided with a coupling base portion,which is continuous with the speaker arrangement portion, and adetachable portion, which is detachable from the coupling base portionand has the opening.

Accordingly, the portion having the opening of the sound guiding pipecan be replaced according to the size, shape and the like of the ear.

Seventhly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it isdesirable that the coupling base portion be provided with an entryportion that enters the detachable portion when the detachable portionis attached to the coupling base portion.

Accordingly, the detachable portion is attached to the coupling baseportion by the entry portion entering the detachable portion.

Eighthly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it is desirablethat the detachable portion be formed by using a material with hardnesslower than that of the coupling base portion.

Accordingly, a load on the auricle is small when the detachable portioncomes into contact with the auricle by any chance.

Ninthly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it is desirablethat the sound guiding pipe be elastically deformable against thespeaker arrangement portion.

Accordingly, the sound guiding pipe is elastically deformed against thespeaker arrangement portion so that the sound output apparatus can beworn on the ear.

Tenthly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it is desirablethat a tip portion of the sound guiding pipe be in a state of beingnon-contact with the ear in a state of being worn on the ear.

Accordingly, the portion having the opening from which the sound isemitted is brought into a state of being not in contact with the ear.

Eleventhly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it isdesirable that at least a part of the speaker arrangement portion and atleast a part of the sound guiding pipe be integrally formed.

Accordingly, a portion in which the speaker arrangement portion and thesound guiding pipe are integrally formed exists in the sound outputapparatus.

Twelfthly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it isdesirable that a pair of the speaker arrangement portions, a pair of thesound guiding pipes and a pair of the speakers be provided.

Accordingly, the sound output apparatus functions as a stereo type.

Thirteenthly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it isdesirable that a battery that supplies power to the speaker be arrangedat the speaker arrangement portion.

Accordingly, there is no need to supply power from an external device.

Fourteenthly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it isdesirable that a control board for wireless communication be arranged atthe speaker arrangement portion.

Accordingly, there is no need of connection to an external device by acord.

Fifteenthly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it isdesirable that a first pressing portion and a second pressing portion,which are respectively pressed against both faces of the auricle, beprovided, and the first pressing portion and the second pressing portionbe elastically deformable in a direction in which the first pressingportion and the second pressing portion are brought into or out ofcontact with each other.

Accordingly, a wear portion is elastically deformed when worn on ordetached from the ear.

Sixteenthly, in the sound output apparatus described above, it isdesirable that a wear portion, which is bent such that a longitudinaldirection becomes a circumferential direction, be provided, and thefirst pressing portion and the second pressing portion be provided atboth end portions of the wear portion in the longitudinal direction.

Accordingly, both end portions of the wear portion are respectivelypressed against both faces of the auricle in a state of beingelastically deformed.

Effects of the Invention

According to the present technology, since the sound output apparatus isworn on the ear by sandwiching the outer peripheral portion of theauricle between the sound guiding pipe and the speaker arrangementportion or by the sound guiding pipe, a stable wearing state on the earcan be secured.

Note that the effects described in this specification are merelyexamples and are not limited, and other effects may be exerted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows embodiments of sound output apparatuses of the presenttechnology together with FIGS. 2 to 19 and is a perspective view of anear on which the sound output apparatuses are worn.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view along the line II-II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sound output apparatus.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the sound output apparatus.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the sound output apparatus.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a state where the sound outputapparatus is worn on the ear.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the state where the sound outputapparatus is worn on the ear as seen from an angle different from thatin FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing a partial cross-section of a state wherethe sound output apparatus is worn on the ear and the opening of thesound guiding pipe is positioned near the external auditory pore.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a partial cross-section of a state wherethe sound output apparatus is worn on the ear and the opening of thesound guiding pipe is positioned at the cavum concha.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view showing another example of the sound outputapparatus.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view showing still another example of the soundoutput apparatus.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another sound output apparatus.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view of another sound outputapparatus.

FIG. 14 is an exploded perspective view showing another sound outputapparatus as seen from a direction different from that in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of another sound output apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a side view showing a state before another sound outputapparatus is elastically deformed.

FIG. 17 is a side view showing a state where another sound outputapparatus is worn.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a state where another sound outputapparatuses are attached to an electronic device.

FIG. 19 is a side view showing a state where the sound output apparatusis attached to the electronic device.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, modes for carrying out a sound output apparatus of thepresent technology will be described according to the accompanyingdrawings.

In the embodiments shown below, the sound output apparatus of thepresent technology is applied to an earphone. However, the scope ofapplication of the present technology is not limited to the earphone,and the present technology can be widely applied to various other soundoutput apparatuses such as a headphone.

<Structure of Ear>

First, the structure of the ear on which the sound output apparatus isworn will be described (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

Ears 100 and 100 are parts of a head 200, each includes an auricle 101and each part existing inside the head 200, such as an eardrum,semicircular canals, and a cochlea. Respective parts of the head 200 atthe inner sides of the auricles 101 are temporal regions 201 and 201,and the auricles 101 project leftward or rightward from the temporalregions 201 and 201.

The auricle 101 has a shallow concave shape opened substantially forwardas a whole so as to have an inner space 150, and the outer peripheralportion has a part called a helix 102 and a part called a crus of helix103 which is continuous with the helix 102 and positioned in thevicinity of the temporal region 201.

The inner part of the helix 102 is called a concave scapha 104, and asubstantially lower half of the inner side of the scapha 104 is called aconvex antihelix 105. A bifurcated convex part which is continuous withthe antihelix 105 exists above the antihelix 105, and the outer part andthe inner part of the bifurcated part are called a superior crus ofantihelix 106 and an inferior crus of antihelix 107, respectively. Thepart between the superior crus of antihelix 106 and the inferior crus ofantihelix 107 is called a concave triangular fossa 108, and the innerpart of the antihelix 105 and the inferior crus of antihelix 107 iscalled a concave cymba concha 109.

A part continuous with the lower side of the antihelix 105 is a partslightly bulging toward the side of the temporal region 201 and iscalled an antitragus 110. A part on the side of the temporal region 201opposing the antitragus 110 is called a tragus 111 slightly bulgingtoward the side of the antitragus 110, and the lower end part continuouswith the lower side of the helix 102 is called an earlobe 112.

An external auditory pore 113 a, which is the entrance of an externalauditory canal 113, exists between the antitragus 110 and the tragus111, and the external auditory canal 113 communicates with the eardrum,the semicircular canals, and the like. Of the inner space 150 of theauricle 101, the space surrounded by the antihelix 105, the inferiorcrus of antihelix 107 and the crus of helix 103, in other words, thespace on the front side of the cymba concha 109 is called a cavum concha114 and communicates with the external auditory pore 113 a of theexternal auditory canal 113. Of the inner space 150, the spacecontinuous with the lower side of the cavum concha 114 and opened in aU-shape is a space called an intertragic notch 115.

The inner space 150 of the auricle 101 is a space which includes thespace near the cavum concha 114, the intertragic notch 115 and theexternal auditory pore 113 a of the external auditory canal 113 and alsoincludes the space at the front side of the scapha 104, the antihelix105, the superior crus of antihelix 106, the inferior crus of antihelix107, the triangular fossa 108, the antitragus 110 and the tragus 111.

<Schematic Configuration of Sound Output Apparatus>

Next, the configuration of sound output apparatuses 1 and 1 will bedescribed (see FIGS. 3 to 5). One of the sound output apparatuses 1 and1 is used for the left ear 100, and the other is used for the right ear100. However, any one of the sound output apparatuses 1 may be used tohear to the sound.

The sound output apparatus 1 has a speaker arrangement portion 2 and asound guiding pipe 3.

The speaker arrangement portion 2 is constituted coupling a case portion4 and a cover portion 5.

For example, the case portion 4 is formed in a substantiallyhemispherical shape with a resin material, and an internal space isformed as a case side concave portion 4 a. A cord insertion hole 4 b isformed in the case portion 4.

For example, the cover portion 5 is formed in a shallow bowl shape witha resin material, and an internal space is formed as a cover side recessportion 5 a. The cover portion 5 includes a disk-shaped base faceportion 6 and a cylindrical coupling portion 7 projecting from the outerperipheral portion of the base face portion 6. A continuous portion ofthe base face portion 6 and the coupling portion 7 is formed in a curvedshape that is gently convex outward. The outer face (surface) of thebase face portion 6 is formed as a planar abutting face 6 a, and theouter face at the continuous portion of the base face portion 6 and thecoupling portion 7 is formed as a curved face 5 b that is convexoutward.

The case portion 4 and the cover portion 5 are coupled in a state wherethe case side concave portion 4 a and the cover side recess portion 5 aface each other. The speaker arrangement portion 2 is constituted bycoupling the case portion 4 and the cover portion 5, and an arrangementspace 2 a is formed inside the speaker arrangement portion 2.

A speaker 8 is arranged in the arrangement space 2 a of the speakerarrangement portion 2. As the speaker 8, for example, a dynamic typedriver unit is used. One end portion of a cord 9 is connected to thespeaker 8, and the cord 9 is led out to the outside from the cordinsertion hole 4 b of the case portion 4. For example, a remote controlapparatus (not shown) is connected to an intermediate portion of thecord 9 so that it is possible to change the type of sound outputted fromthe speaker 8, change the volume, and the like by manipulating theremote control apparatus.

Note that the cord 9 led out from the sound output apparatus 1 for theleft ear 100 and the cord 9 led out from the sound output apparatus 1for the right ear 100 both have the intermediate portions connected tothe same remote control apparatus.

The other end portion of the cord 9 is connected to an external device(not shown), such as a music player, used as a generation source ofsound (audio signal). Therefore, the audio signal outputted from theexternal device is transmitted to the speaker 8 via the cord 9, and thesound is outputted from the speaker 8. Moreover, power is supplied tothe speaker 8 from the external device via the cord 9 so that thespeaker 8 can be driven.

The sound guiding pipe 3 is constituted by a coupling base portion 10and a detachable portion 11. The sound guiding pipe 3 is formed in aflat substantially square tube shape, and an internal space is formed asa sound guiding space 3 a. The sound guiding space 3 a communicates withthe arrangement space 2 a of the speaker arrangement portion 2.

For example, the coupling base portion 10 is formed by using a resinmaterial and constituted by coupling a first half 12 and a second half13. The coupling base portion 10 is formed in a substantiallysemicircular arc shape, in which the first half 12 is positioned on theinner peripheral side, and the second half 13 is positioned on the outerperipheral side. For example, in the coupling base portion 10, the firsthalf 12 is integrally formed with the cover portion 5 of the speakerarrangement portion 2, and one end of the first half 12 in thelongitudinal direction is continuous with the curved face 5 b of thecover portion 5.

Note that the coupling base portion 10 may have the second half 13integrally formed with the cover portion 5 or may be integrally formedwith the cover portion 5 as a whole. Moreover, at least a part of thecoupling base portion 10 may be integrally formed with the cover portion5.

By thus integrally forming at least a part of the speaker arrangementportion 2 and at least a part of the sound guiding pipe 3, a portion, inwhich the speaker arrangement portion 2 and the sound guiding pipe 3 areintegrally formed, exists in the sound output apparatus 1 so that it ispossible to improve the strengths of the speaker arrangement portion 2and the sound guiding pipe 3 and to reduce the number of parts of thesound output apparatus 1.

The coupling base portion 10 is provided with an entry portion 10 a atthe end portion on the side opposite to the side continuous with thecover portion 5 in the longitudinal direction. The entry portion 10 a isformed in a cylindrical shape smaller than other portions of thecoupling base portion 10.

The detachable portion 11 is formed by using a material with hardnesslower than that of the coupling base portion 10, for example, a rubbermaterial such as elastomer, and is formed in a substantially square tubeshape that is gently curved. The detachable portion 11 has the innercircumference of one end portion in the longitudinal direction slightlylonger in diameter than the inner circumferences of other portions, andthis one end portion is provided as a joining portion 11 a. Thedetachable portion 11 is detachable from the coupling base portion 10and coupled to the coupling base portion 10 by externally fitting thejoining portion 11 a to the entry portion 10 a. An opening 11 b at theend on the side opposite to the joining portion 11 a of the detachableportion 11 is formed as a sound output port from which the sound emittedfrom the speaker 8 and guided to the sound guiding space 3 a isoutputted.

In a state where the detachable portion 11 is coupled to the couplingbase portion 10, the detachable Portion 11 is brought into a convexcurved state toward the side of the speaker arrangement portion 2.

The sound guiding pipe 3 has a part of the face, which faces the side ofthe speaker arrangement portion 2, formed as an ear contact face 3 bwhich is brought into contact with the auricle 101, and the ear contactface 3 b is formed in a curved shape. The ear contact face 3 b may be apart of the coupling base portion 10, may be a part of the detachableportion 11, or may be a portion extending over the coupling base portion10 and the detachable portion 11.

The sound guiding pipe 3 is elastically deformable in a direction inwhich the ear contact face 3 b is brought into or out of contact withthe speaker arrangement portion 2 with respect to the speakerarrangement portion 2.

Note that the example, in which the sound guiding pipe 3 is constitutedby the coupling base portion 10 and the detachable portion 11, has beenshown above, but the sound guiding pipe may be constituted only by thecoupling base portion. In this case, the opening at the tip of thecoupling base portion is formed as a sound output port.

<Wearing State of Sound Output Apparatus on Ear>

Hereinafter, a wearing state of the sound output apparatus 1 on the ear100 will be described (see FIGS. 6 to 9).

The sound output apparatus 1 is worn on the ear 100 in a state where theouter peripheral portion of the auricle 101, for example, the helix 102is sandwiched from the front and back by a part of the speakerarrangement portion 2 and a part of the sound guiding pipe 3 (see FIGS.6 and 7). In a state where the sound output apparatus 1 is worn on theear 100, the abutting face 6 a of the speaker arrangement portion 2 andthe ear contact face 3 b of the sound guiding pipe 3 are in contact withthe ear 100.

At this time, since the ear contact face 3 b of the sound guiding pipe 3is formed in a curved shape, the ear contact face 3 b formed in a curvedshape is brought into a state of being in contact with the auricle 101,and an excessive load is not applied to the auricle 101 from the soundguiding pipe 3. Thus, it is possible to secure a good wearing state ofthe sound output apparatus 1 on the auricle 101.

Moreover, since the abutting face 6 a of the speaker arrangement portion2 is formed in a planar shape, the abutting face 6 a formed in a planarshape is brought into a state of being in contact with the auricle 101,and an excessive load is not applied to the auricle 101 from the soundguiding pipe 3. Thus, it is possible to secure a good wearing state ofthe sound output apparatus 1 on the auricle 101.

Note that the example, in which the ear contact face 3 b is formed in acurved shape and the abutting face 6 a is formed in a planar shape, hasbeen shown above, but the ear contact face may be formed in a planarshape, and the abutting face may be formed in a curved shape.

Since the sound guiding pipe 3 is elastically deformable against thespeaker arrangement portion 2 in the sound output apparatus 1, when thesound output apparatus 1 is worn on the ear 100, the sound outputapparatus 1 can be worn on the ear 100 in a state where the soundguiding pipe 3 is elastically deformed against the speaker arrangementportion 2 to enlarge the gap between the abutting face 6 a of thespeaker arrangement portion 2 and the ear contact face 3 b of the soundguiding pipe 3. Thus, the sound output apparatus 1 can be easily worn onthe ear 100.

Moreover, the sound output apparatus 1 is worn on the ear 100 in a statewhere the gap between the abutting face 6 a and the ear contact face 3 bis enlarged further by elastically deforming the sound guiding pipe 3against the speaker arrangement portion 2 than the gap in a state beforethe sound output apparatus 1 is worn on the ear 100.

Therefore, since a force is applied to the speaker arrangement portion 2and the sound guiding pipe 3 in a direction they approach each other,the sound output apparatus 1 is worn on the ear 100 in a state where thespeaker arrangement portion 2 and the sound guiding pipe 3 are pressedagainst the auricle 101, and the sound output apparatus 1 can be worn onthe ear 100 in a stable state.

In a state where the sound output apparatus 1 is worn on the ear 100 asdescribed above, the detachable portion 11 is positioned at the innerspace 150 of the auricle 101 in a state where the tip portion is innon-contact with the auricle 101 (see FIG. 8). The detachable portion 11is brought into a state not closing the entire external auditory pore113 a, and the opening 11 b is positioned near the external auditorypore 113 a.

Since the opening 11 b of the sound guiding pipe 3 is positioned at theinner space 150 of the auricle 101 in this way in a state where thesound output apparatus 1 is worn on the ear 100, the opening 11 b ispositioned close to the external auditory canal 113. Thus, it ispossible to secure good recognition of the sound outputted from thespeaker 8 and the external sound.

Furthermore, since the portion having the opening 11 b of the soundguiding pipe 3 is brought into a state of being non-contact with the ear100 in a state where the sound output apparatus 1 is worn on the ear100, the portion having the opening 11 b from which the sound is emittedis brought into a state of being not contact with the ear 100.

Therefore, it is possible to secure good recognition of the soundoutputted from the sound output apparatus 1 and the external sound aswell as possible to reduce the occurrence of discomfort in the wearingstate on the ear 100.

Further, since the opening 11 b is positioned near the external auditorycanal 113 a in a state where the sound output apparatus 1 is worn on theear 100, the sound guided by the sound guiding pipe 3 is emitted towardthe external auditory pore 113 from the opening 11 b, the sound can beheard well.

Note that the opening 11 b of the sound guiding pipe 3 may be positionedat the cavum concha 114 in a state where the sound output apparatus 1 isworn on the ear 100 (see FIG. 9).

Since the opening 11 b of the sound guiding pipe 3 is positioned closeto the external auditory canal 113 also in this case, it is possible tosecure good recognition of the sound outputted from the speaker 8 andthe external sound.

In addition, the opening 11 b of the detachable portion 11 may not bepositioned at the external auditory canal 113 or the cavum concha 114,and may be positioned away from the external auditory canal 113 and thecavum concha 114 as long as the opening 11 b is positioned at the innerspace 150 of the auricle 101.

Note that the opening 11 b of the detachable portion 11 may bepositioned at the outer side of the inner space 150 of the auricle 101depending on the shape and size of the ear 100 of a user.

Since no structural object, such as the speaker 8 arranged inside thespeaker arrangement portion 2, exists on the front side of the auricle101 in a state where the sound output apparatus 1 is worn on the ear100, the structural object existing on the front side of the auricle 101is small, and the influence on the head-related transfer function issuppressed. Thus, it is possible to suppress the reduction of the spaceperception ability.

Moreover, the portion having the opening 11 b of the sound guiding pipe3 is provided as the detachable portion 11 detachable from the couplingbase portion 10 of the sound guiding pipe 3. Therefore, the portionhaving the opening 11 b of the sound guiding pipe 3 can be replacedaccording to the size, shape and the like of the ear 100, and it ispossible to secure a good hearing state of the sound regardless of thesize, shape and the like of the ear 100.

For example, by replacing the detachable portion 11 with one with adifferent length, the opening 11 b can be positioned at a desiredposition in a state where the sound output apparatus 1 is worn on theear 100, and the usability of the sound output apparatus 1 can beimproved.

Furthermore, since the coupling base portion 10 is provided with theentry portion 10 a which enters the detachable portion 11 upon theattachment of the detachable portion 11, the detachable portion 11 isattached to the coupling base portion 10 by the entry portion 10 aentering the detachable portion 11 so that it is possible to quickly andeasily perform the attachment work of the detachable portion 11 to thecoupling base portion 10.

Further, since the detachable portion 11 is formed by using a materialwith hardness lower than that of the coupling base portion 10, a load onthe auricle 101 is small when the detachable portion 11 comes intocontact with the auricle 101 by any chance, and the auricle 101 can beprotected.

Note that the detachable portion 11 may be formed by using a material(flexible material) which is capable of being deformed (bent) andmaintains the deformed state. By making the detachable portion 11 ofsuch a material, it is possible to, in a state where the sound outputapparatus 1 is worn on the ear 100, deform the detachable portion 11into a desired state, for example, to make the opening 11 b close to theexternal auditory canal 113 and change the direction of the soundemitted from the opening 11 b as necessary.

Moreover, both of the coupling base portion 10 and the detachableportion 11 may be formed by using a material which is capable of beingdeformed (bent) and maintains the deformed states. By making thecoupling base portion 10 and the detachable portion 11 of such amaterial, it is possible to, in a state where the sound output apparatus1 is worn on the ear 100, deform the sound guiding pipe 3 into a desiredstate, for example, to make the opening 11 b close to the externalauditory canal 113 and change the direction of the sound emitted fromthe opening 11 b as necessary.

Furthermore, when the sound guiding pipe 3 is worn on the ear 100, thesound guiding pipe 3 can be deformed according to the shape and size ofthe ear 100 so that a stable wearing state of the sound output apparatus1 on the ear 100 can be secured.

In addition, in a case where the pair of sound output apparatuses 1 and1 is used, the sound output apparatuses 1 and 1 function as a stereotype, the functionality of the sound output apparatuses 1 and 1 isimproved, and good quality sound can be heard. Moreover, a good balancein weight is secured for the left and right ears 100 and 100, and thesound output apparatuses 1 and 1 can be worn on the left and right ears100 and 100 in a stable state.

Note that there is a possibility that the speaker arrangement portion 2and the sound guiding pipe 3 cannot sandwich the auricle 101 withsufficient pressure depending on the shape and thickness of the ear 100of the user in a state where the sound output apparatus 1 is worn. Inthis case, for example, it is also possible to attach an auxiliary cover14 to a part of the speaker arrangement portion 2 for use (see FIG. 5).

The auxiliary cover 14 is formed by using, for example, a rubbermaterial such as elastomer, and is made to be stretchable and have highadhesion to the speaker arrangement portion 2. The auxiliary cover 14 isformed in, for example, a substantially hemispherical shape and attachedto a portion of the speaker arrangement portion 2 where the cordinsertion hole 4 b is not formed. An air vent hole 14 a is formed in theauxiliary cover 14. When the auxiliary cover 14 is attached to thespeaker arrangement portion 2, the air existing between the speakerarrangement portion 2 and the auxiliary cover 14 is discharged from theair vent hole 14 a, and good adhesion of the auxiliary cover 14 to thespeaker arrangement portion 2 is secured.

By attaching the auxiliary cover 14 to the speaker arrangement portion2, the gap between the abutting face 6 a of the speaker arrangementportion 2 and the ear contact face 3 b of the sound guiding pipe 3 isreduced by the thickness of the auxiliary cover 14, the auricle 101 issandwiched between the speaker arrangement portion 2 and the soundguiding pipe 3 with sufficient pressure in a state where the soundoutput apparatus 1 is worn, and a stable wearing state of the soundoutput apparatus 1 on the ear 100 can be secured.

SUMMARY

As described above, the opening 11 b that emits the sound toward the ear100 is formed at the tip of the sound guiding pipe 3, and the soundoutput apparatus 1 is worn on the ear 100 in a state where the outerperipheral Portion of the auricle 101 is sandwiched between therespective parts of the speaker arrangement portion 2 and the soundguiding pipe 3.

Therefore, since the sound output apparatus 1 is worn on the ear 100 bysandwiching the outer peripheral portion of the auricle 101 between apart of the speaker arrangement portion 2 and a part of the soundguiding pipe 3, a stable wearing state on the ear 100 can be secured.

Particularly, it is unnecessary to hook a part of the sound outputapparatus 1 on the root portion of the auricle 101, which is theboundary portion between the temporal region 201 and the auricle 101, tobe worn so that the hair does not interfere with the sound outputapparatus 1 for a long-haired user such as a woman, and a stable wearingstate can be secured regardless of the length of hair of the user.

Moreover, even in a case where the user is wearing an accessory such asa pierced earring on the ear 100, the sound output apparatus 1 can beworn at a position other than the worn portion of the accessory, forexample, the earlobe 112, and a stable wearing state can be securedwhile the usability is improved.

Note that the example, in which the sound output apparatus 1 is worn onthe ear 100 in a state where the outer peripheral portion of the auricle101 is sandwiched between the respective parts of the speakerarrangement Portion 2 and the sound guiding pipe 3, has been shownabove, but the sound output apparatus 1 may be worn on the ear 100 in astate where the outer peripheral portion of the auricle 101 issandwiched between the respective parts of the sound guiding pipe 3.

<Another Example of Sound Output Apparatus>

Hereinafter, sound output apparatuses 1A, 1B and 1C, which receive audiosignals from an external device such as a music player by wirelesscommunication, will be described.

Note that, since the sound output apparatuses 1A, 1B and 1C differ fromthe sound output apparatus 1 described above in that constituentsarranged inside the speaker arrangement portion are different, onlyportions different from those of the sound output apparatus 1 will bedescribed in detail, and other portions are denoted by reference signsthe same as the reference signs denoting similar portions in the soundoutput apparatus 1 to omit the explanations thereof.

First, the sound output apparatus 1A will be described (see FIG. 10).

The sound output apparatus 1A for the left ear 100 and the sound outputapparatus 1A for the right ear 100 are configured in a similar manner.

In the sound output apparatus 1A, a speaker 8 and a battery 13 arearranged inside a speaker arrangement Portion 2. The battery 15 may beof a disposable type or a chargeable type. Particularly, in a case wherethe battery 15 is of a disposable type, it is desirable that the speakerarrangement portion 2 is configured to be able to replace the battery 15by making the part thereof able to be opened and closed. Moreover, in acase where the battery 15 is of a chargeable type, a part of the speakerarrangement portion 2 may also be able to be opened and closed so thatthe battery 15 can be replaced.

A control board 16 is arranged inside the speaker arrangement portion 2together with the speaker 8 and the battery 15, and a driving circuit,which operates the speaker 8, and a communication circuit for wirelesscommunication are formed on the control board 16. Therefore, the soundoutput apparatus 1A can receive an audio signal from an external devicesuch as a music player, by wireless communication, convert the receivedaudio signal to be outputted as the sound from the speaker 8, andperform pairing processing, such as connection authentication with themusic player. The wireless communication for receiving the audio signalmay be compatible with, for example, near field wireless communicationsuch as Bluetooth (registered trademark), wireless fidelity (WiFi:registered trademark), or near field communication (NFC) as wirelesscommunication for Pairing processing such as connection authentication.

The power of the battery 15 is supplied to the speaker 8 and the controlboard 16 to operate the speaker 8 and the control board 16.

In the sound output apparatus 1A, the audio signal is received bywireless communication of a communication circuit on the control board16, and the received audio signal is sent to the speaker 8. The audiosignal is converted into sound and outputted from the speaker 8.

Next, the sound output apparatus 1B and the sound output apparatus 1Cwill be described (see FIG. 11).

One of the sound output apparatus 1B and the sound output apparatus 1Cis a sound output apparatus for the left ear 100, and the other is asound output apparatus for the right ear 100. The sound output apparatus1B and the sound output apparatus 1C are different in constituentsarranged inside the speaker arrangement portions 2 and 2.

The speaker 8, the battery 15 and a relay board 17 are arranged insidethe speaker arrangement portion 2 of the sound output apparatus 1B, andthe speaker 8 and the control board 16 are arranged inside the speakerarrangement portion 2 of the sound output apparatus 1C.

The relay board 17 of the sound output apparatus 1B and the controlboard 16 of the sound output apparatus 1C are connected by a cable(cord) 18. The power of the battery 15 is supplied to the speaker 8 andthe relay board 17 of the sound output apparatus 1B and also supplied tothe control board 16 and the speaker 8 of the sound output apparatus 1Cfrom the relay board 17 via the cable 18. Moreover, audio signalsreceived by wireless communication of the communication circuit on thecontrol board 16 are sent to the speaker 8 of the sound output apparatus1C and also sent to the speaker 8 of the sound output apparatus 1B viathe cable 18 and the relay board 17. The received audio signals areconverted into sounds and outputted from the speakers 8 and 8,respectively.

As described above, since the audio signals are received by wirelesscommunication in the sound output apparatuses 1A, 1B and 1C, there is noneed of connection to the external device by the cord 9, and theconvenience and usability can be improved.

Furthermore, as for the sound output apparatus 1A, since the connectionwire such as the cord 9 is not connected, it is easy to carry andaccommodate, and sagging of the connection wire does not occur when thesound output apparatus 1A is worn on the ear 100. Thus, it is possibleto improve the portability and the accommodability when not used and tosecure a good wearing state on the ear 100.

Further, as for the sound output apparatuses 1A and 1B, since thebattery 13 is arranged in the speaker arrangement portion 2, there is noneed of supplying power from the external device, and the usability canbe improved.

In addition, as for the sound output apparatuses 1B and 1C, since thebattery 15 is arranged only in one sound output apparatus 1B, it ispossible to reduce the weight of the sound output apparatuses 1B and 1Cas a whole as well as to simplify the internal structure.

Moreover, as for the sound output apparatus 1C, since the weight isreduced as described above, an excessive load is not applied to the ear100 in a state of being worn on the ear 100, and a good wearing statecan be secured without discomfort to the ear 100.

<Another Sound Output Apparatus and the Like>

Hereinafter, another sound output apparatus will described (see FIGS. 12to 18).

One of another sound output apparatuses 71 and 71 is used for the leftear 100, and the other is used for the right ear 100. However, any oneof the sound output apparatuses 71 may be used to hear to the sound.

The sound output apparatus 71 has a wear portion 72 and a speaker 73.

The wear portion 72 is formed in a bent shape such that the longitudinaldirection becomes a circumferential direction, and is formed in a shapeextending in the circumferential direction as a whole. The wear portion72 has an outer face formed in a curved face that is convex outward.

The wear portion 72 is constituted by coupling a housing 74, adetachable body 75 and a connection member 76.

One end portion of the wear portion 72 in the longitudinal direction isprovided as a speaker arrangement portion 77, the other end portion inthe longitudinal direction is provided as a sound output portion 78, anda portion between the speaker arrangement portion 77 and the soundoutput portion 78 is provided as an intermediate portion 79.

The housing 74 is formed by using, for example, a resin material. A partof the housing 74 functions as the speaker arrangement portion 77, andthe other portion functions as the intermediate portion 79. The housing74 is constituted by coupling a first member 80 and a second member 81(see FIGS. 13 to 15). The first member 80 and the second member 81constitute the housing 74 by being coupled in a direction orthogonal tothe longitudinal direction.

The first member 80 includes a base portion 82 formed in a substantiallyarc shape, an arrangement portion 83 continuous with one end of the baseportion 82 in the longitudinal direction, and a joining portion 84continuous with the other end of the base portion 82 in the longitudinaldirection. A groove portion 82 a extending in the longitudinal directionis formed at the base portion 82. An arrangement recessed portion 83 acontinuous with the groove portion 82 a is formed at the arrangementportion 83. The joining portion 84 is formed in a cylindrical shape, andan internal space is formed as a sound hole 84 a continuous with thegroove portion 83 a.

A shallow attachment recessed portion 83 b is formed on the outer faceside of the arrangement portion 83. A cord insertion hole 83 c, whichcommunicates with the attachment recessed portion 83 b and thearrangement recessed portion 83 a, is formed at the arrangement portion83.

The second member 81 includes a base portion 85, which is formed in asubstantially arc shape, and an arrangement portion 86, which iscontinuous with one end of the base portion 85 in the longitudinaldirection. A groove portion 85 a extending in the longitudinal directionis formed at the base portion 85. An arrangement recessed portion 86 acontinuous with the groove portion 85 a is formed at the arrangementportion 86.

As for the first member 80 and the second member 81, for example, thebase portion 82 and the base portion 85 are coupled as well as thearrangement portion 83 and the arrangement portion 86 are coupled bybonding. In a state where the first member 80 and the second member 81are coupled, a sound guiding space 87 is formed by the groove portion 82a and the groove portion 85 a, and an arrangement space 88 is formed bythe arrangement recessed portion 83 a and the arrangement recessedportion 86 a.

In a state where the first member 80 and the second member 81 arecoupled to constitute the housing 74, the speaker 73 is arranged at thearrangement space 88. As the speaker 73, for example, a dynamic typedriver unit is used. Note that a battery for supplying power to thespeaker 73, a control board which controls the speaker 73, and the likemay be arranged at the arrangement space 88 in addition to the speaker73.

The detachable body 75 is formed by using, for example, silicon or arubber material, and a sound hole 89 is formed therein (see FIG. 15).One end of the sound hole 89 is formed as a sound output opening 89 a.In the detachable body 75, the direction in which the sound hole 89extends is the longitudinal direction, a substantially half portion inthe longitudinal direction is provided as a coupling portion 90, and theother approximately half portion is provided as a tip portion 91. Thecoupling portion 90 functions as a part of the intermediate portion 79,and the tip portion 91 functions as the sound output portion 78.

In the detachable body 75, the inner peripheral portion of the couplingportion 90 is provided as an outer fitting portion 90 a, and the outerfitting portion 90 a is formed by using a material with hardness higherthan that of the other portions of the detachable body 75. Thedetachable body 75 is detachable from the housing 74 and joins thehousing 74 by externally fitting the outer fitting portion 90 a to thejoining portion 84.

The wear portion 72 is constituted in a state where the speakerarrangement portion 77 of the housing 74 and the tip portion 91 of thedetachable body 75 are opposed. A portion of the speaker arrangementportion 77 opposing the tip portion 91 is provided as a first pressingportion 92. A portion of the tip portion 91 opposing the speakerarrangement portion 77 is provided as a second pressing portion 93. Agap A is formed between the first pressing portion 92 and the secondpressing portion 93. The first pressing portion 92 and the secondpressing portion 93 are portions which are pressed against both faces ofthe auricle 101 in a state where the sound output apparatus 71 is wornon the ear 100. The surfaces of the first pressing portion 92 and thesecond pressing portion 93 are formed as curved faces which is gentlyconvex outward.

Moreover, a portion of the wear portion 72 other than both end portionsin the longitudinal direction is provided as the intermediate portion79, and the gap A between one ends in the longitudinal direction isshorter than the maximum distance H among the distances connecting thetwo points on the inner circumference of the intermediate portion 79.

The wear portion 72 is elastically deformable in a direction in whichthe first pressing portion 92 and the second pressing portion 93 arebrought into or out of contact with each other.

The connection member 76 includes an attached plate Portion 94 and acord insertion portion 95 projecting from the attached plate portion 94(see FIGS. 12 to 14). At the connection member 76, a cord insertion hole5 a penetrating between the cord insertion portion 95 and the attachedplate portion 94 is formed. The connection member 76 is attached to thehousing 74 by bonding or the like in a state where the attached plateportion 94 is inserted into the attachment recessed portion 83 b. In astate where the connection member 76 is attached to the housing 74, thecord insertion hole 5 a communicates with the cord insertion hole 83 c.

A portion of the housing 74 excluding the joining portion 84 is coveredwith a cover 96, and the cover 96 is closely attached to the outer faceof the housing 74. The cover 96 is formed by using silicon or a rubbermaterial, which are elastically deformable, and is formed in a bag shapewith a reduced thickness. An opening portion 96 a is formed on one endface of the cover 96. An arrangement hole 96 b is formed at the cover96.

In a state where the housing 74 is covered with the cover 96, the cover96 is attached to the outer face of the housing 74, the opening portion96 a is positioned at the boundary portion between the joining portion84 and the base portion 82, and the connection member 76 is arranged atthe arrangement hole 96 b. Therefore, the joining portion 84 of thehousing 74 projects from the opening portion 96 a and the cord insertionportion 95 of the connection member 76 projects from the arrangementhole 96 b.

A cord 97 is inserted into the cord insertion hole 76 a of theconnection member 76 and the cord insertion hole 83 c of the housing 74,and one end portion of the cord 97 is connected to the control board orthe speaker 73. For example, a remote control apparatus (not shown) isconnected to an intermediate portion of the cord 97 so that it ispossible to change the type of sound outputted from the speaker 73,change the volume, and the like by manipulating the remote controlapparatus.

Note that the cord 97 led out from the sound output apparatus 71 for theleft ear 100 and the cord 97 led out from the sound output apparatus 71for the right ear 100 both have the intermediate portions connected tothe same remote control apparatus.

The other end portion of the cord 97 is connected to an external device(not shown), such as a music player, used as a generation source ofsound (audio signal). Therefore, the audio signal outputted from theexternal device is transmitted to the speaker 73 via the cord 97, andthe sound is outputted from the speaker 73. Moreover, power is suppliedto the speaker 73 from the external device via the cord 97 so that thespeaker 73 can be driven.

Similar to the sound output apparatus 1 and the like, the sound outputapparatus 71 as described above is worn on the ear 100 in a state wherethe outer peripheral portion of the auricle 101, for example, the helix102 is sandwiched from the front and the back.

When the sound output apparatus 71 is worn on the ear 100, the helix 102is relatively inserted between the first pressing portion 92 and thesecond pressing portion 93 in a state where the first pressing portion92 and the second pressing portion 93 are elastically deformed in aseparation direction (see FIG. 16), and the sound output apparatus 71 iselastically restored and worn on the ear 100 in a state where the helix102 is inserted (see FIG. 17). In a state where the sound outputapparatus 71 is worn on the ear 100, the first pressing portion 92 andthe second pressing portion 93 of the wear portion 72 are brought into astate where they are respectively in contact with and pressed againstboth faces of the auricle 101.

Note that the wear portion 72 is brought into a state where the firstpressing portion 92 is pressed against and in contact with the auricle101 via the cover 96 since the first pressing portion 92 is covered withthe cover 96.

The first pressing portion 92 is brought in contact with the rear faceof the auricle 101 and the second pressing portion 93 is in contact withthe front face of the auricle 101. Therefore, the speaker 73 arranged atthe speaker arrangement portion 77 is positioned on the rear side of theauricle 101.

Note that the example, in which the surfaces of the first pressingportion 92 and the second pressing portion 93 are formed in curvedfaces, has been shown above, but at least one of the surfaces of thefirst pressing portion 92 and the second pressing portion 93 may beformed to be planar.

Meanwhile, the detachment of the sound output apparatus 71 from the ear100 can be performed by elastically deforming the sound output apparatus71 in a direction in which the first pressing portion 92 and the secondpressing portion 93 are separated and separating the sound outputapparatus 71 from the auricle 101.

As described above, the wear portion 72 is formed in a bent shape suchthat the longitudinal direction becomes the circumferential direction,the gap A is formed between both ends in the longitudinal direction, andthe wear portion 72 is elastically deformable in the direction in whichboth end portions in the longitudinal are brought into or out of contactwith each other.

Therefore, since the wear portion 72 is elastically deformed when wornon or detached from the ear 100, the wear on and the detachment from theear 100 can be easily performed as well as a stable wearing state on theear 100 can be secured.

Moreover, since the first pressing portion 92 and the second pressingportion 93 are respectively provided at both end portions of the wearportion 72 in the sound output apparatus 71, both end portions of thewear portion 72 are respectively pressed against both faces of theauricle 101.

Therefore, the portions pressed against the auricle 101 become both endportions of the wear portion 72, the length from the first pressingportion 92 to the second pressing portion 93 becomes the entire lengthof the sound output apparatus 71 so that a stable wearing state on theear 100 can be secured while the miniaturization of the sound outputapparatus 71 is secured.

Furthermore, the portion of the wear portion 72 other than both endportions is provided as the intermediate portion 79, and the gap Abetween one ends in the longitudinal direction is shorter than themaximum distance H among the distances connecting the two points on theinner circumference of the intermediate portion 79.

Therefore, the intermediate portion 79 is hardly in contact with theauricle 101 in a state where the sound output apparatus 71 is worn onthe ear 100, and the sound output apparatus 71 can be worn on the ear100 without causing a load on the ear 100 from the intermediate portion79.

Further, since the outer face of the wear portion 72 is formed in acurved face, the sound output apparatus 71 is worn on the ear 100 in astate where the curved face is pressed so that a good wearing state onthe ear 100 can be secured.

In a state where the sound output apparatus 71 is worn on the ear 100 asdescribed above, the detachable body 75 is positioned at the inner space150 of the auricle 101 in a state where the tip portion is innon-contact with the auricle 101. The detachable body 75 is brought intoa state not closing the entire external auditory pore 113 a, and theopening 89 a is positioned near the external auditory pore 113 a.

Note that the detachable body 75 having the opening 89 a is detachablefrom the joining portion 84 of the housing 74. Therefore, the detachablebody 75 can be replaced according to the size, shape and the like of theear 100, and it is possible to secure a good hearing state of the soundregardless of the size, shape and the like of the ear 100.

For example, by replacing the detachable body 75 with one with adifferent length, the opening 89 a can be positioned at a desiredposition in a state where the sound output apparatus 71 is worn on theear 100, and the usability of the sound output apparatus 71 can beimproved.

Moreover, since the joining portion 84 inserted into the detachable body75 upon joining the detachable body 75 is provided in the sound outputapparatus 71, the detachable body 75 joins the joining portion 84 byinserting the inserting the joining portion 84 into the detachable body75 so that it is possible to quickly and easily perform the joining workof the detachable body 75 to the joining portion 84.

Furthermore, by attaching the cover 96 to the wear portion 72, the gapbetween the cover 96 and the second pressing portion 93 becomes shorterthan the gap A by the thickness of the cover 96, the auricle 101 issandwiched between the first pressing portion 92 and the second pressingportion 93 with sufficient pressure in a state where the sound outputapparatus 71 is worn, and a stable wearing state of the sound outputapparatus 71 on the ear 100 can be secured.

Note that the detachable body 75 may be formed by using a material(flexible material) which is capable of being deformed (bent) andmaintains the deformed state. By making the detachable body 75 of such amaterial, it is possible to, in a state where the sound output apparatus71 is worn on the ear 100, deform the detachable body 75 into a desiredstate, for example, to make the opening 89 a close to the externalauditory canal 113 and change the direction of the sound emitted fromthe opening 89 a as necessary.

Further, both of the joining portion 84 and the detachable body 75 maybe formed by using a material which is capable of being deformed (bent)and maintains the deformed states. By making the joining portion 84 andthe detachable body 75 of such a material, it is possible to, in a statewhere the sound output apparatus 71 is worn on the ear 100, deform thewear portion 72 into a desired state, for example, to make the opening89 a close to the external auditory canal 113 and change the directionof the sound emitted from the opening 89 a as necessary.

Moreover, when the wear portion 72 is worn on the ear 100, the wearportion 72 can be deformed according to the shape and size of the ear100 so that a stable wearing state of the sound output apparatus 71 onthe ear 100 can be secured.

The sound output apparatuses 71 and 71 can also be attached to otherstructural objects, devices and the like for storage and the like (seeFIG. 18).

For example, in a case where the sound output apparatus 71 is used in anelectronic device 50 such as a mobile phone, or the like, an outerperipheral portion 51 of the electronic device 50 is inserted betweenthe speaker arrangement portion 77 and the sound output portion 78, andthe sound output apparatus 71 can be attached to the electronic device50 for storage and the like in a state where the outer peripheralportion 51 is sandwiched between the speaker arrangement portion 77 andthe sound output portion 78 from both face sides. In a state where theouter peripheral portion 51 is sandwiched between the speakerarrangement portion 77 and the sound output portion 78 from both facesides, an urging force is applied by the elastic force to the soundoutput apparatus 71 in the direction in which the speaker arrangementportion 77 and the sound output portion 78 approach each other, and thesound output apparatus 71 is brought into a state of hardly falling offfrom the electronic device 50 by vibration or the like.

Such use (storage) can also be performed, for example, when listening tomusic is temporarily stopped and the sound output apparatus 71 isdetached from the ear 100, and the like.

Since the sound output apparatus 71 is elastically deformed in adirection in which the first pressing portion 22 and the second pressingportion 23 are brought into or out of contact with each other, the wearportion 2 is elastically deformed when worn on or detached from the ear100 so that the wear on and the detachment from the ear 100 can beeasily performed as well as a stable wearing state on the ear 100 can besecured.

Furthermore, since the wear portion 2 bent such that the longitudinaldirection becomes the circumferential direction is provided, and thefirst pressing portion 22 and the second pressing portion 23 areprovided at both end portions of the wear portion 2 in the longitudinaldirection, both end portions of the wear portion 2 are respectivelypressed against both faces of the auricle 101 in a state of beingelastically deformed so that a stable wearing state on the ear 100 canbe secured.

Note that, similar to the sound output apparatus 71, also in the soundoutput apparatuses 1, 1A, 1B and 1C described above, for example, in acase where the sound output apparatus 1, 1A, 1B or 1C is used in theelectronic device 50 such as a mobile phone, or the like, the outerperipheral portion 51 of the electronic device 50 is inserted betweenthe speaker arrangement portion 2 and the sound guiding pipe 3, and thesound output apparatus 1, 1A, 1B or 1C can be attached to the electronicdevice 50 for storage and the like in a state where the outer peripheralportion 51 is sandwiched between the speaker arrangement portion 2 andthe sound guiding pipe 3 from both face sides. In a state where theouter peripheral portion 51 is sandwiched between the speakerarrangement portion 2 and the sound guiding pipe 3 from both face sides,an urging force can also be applied by the elastic force to the soundoutput apparatus 71 in the direction in which the speaker arrangementportion 2 and the sound guiding pipe 3 approach each other. In thiscase, in particular, the sound output apparatus 1, 1A, 1B or 1C isbrought into a state of hardly falling off from the electronic device 50by vibration or the like.

As described above, since the sound output apparatus 1, 1A, 1B, 1C or 71can be attached to the outer peripheral portion 51, for example, in astate where the outer peripheral portion 51 of the electronic device 50such as a mobile phone is sandwiched, the portability, storage and thelike are facilitated, and the usability can be improved.

Further, at the time of carrying or storing, it is possible to prevententanglement between the cords 97 and 97 and the speaker arrangementportion 2, the sound guiding pipe 3 and the wear portion 72, which areportions worn on the ear 100, and between the cords 97 and 97 to eachother to improve the usability.

<Present Technology>

Note that the present technology can adopt the following configurations.

(1)

A sound output apparatus including:

a speaker that outputs sound;

a speaker arrangement portion in which the speaker is arranged therein;and

a sound guiding pipe in which one end portion is continuous with thespeaker arrangement portion and an internal space is formed as a soundguiding space that leads the sound outputted from the speaker,

in which an opening that emits the sound toward an ear is formed at theother end of the sound guiding pipe, and

the sound output apparatus is worn on the ear in a state where an outerperipheral portion of an auricle is sandwiched between a part of thespeaker arrangement portion and a part of the sound guiding pipe orbetween respective parts of the sound guiding pipe.

(2)

The sound output apparatus according to (1), in which the opening ispositioned at an inner space of the auricle.

(3)

The sound output apparatus according to (2), in which the opening ispositioned at a cavum concha.

(4)

The sound output apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), in whichthe part of the sound guiding pipe is formed as an ear contact face incontact with the auricle, and the ear contact face is formed in a curvedshape.

(5)

The sound output apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), in whichthe part of the speaker arrangement portion is formed as an abuttingface that can be in contact with the auricle, and

the abutting face is formed in a planar shape.

(6)

The sound output apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), in whichthe sound guiding pipe is provided with a coupling base portion, whichis continuous with the speaker arrangement portion, and a detachableportion, which is detachable from the coupling base portion and has theopening.

(7)

The sound output apparatus according to (6), in which the coupling baseportion is provided with an entry portion that enters the detachableportion when the detachable portion is attached to the coupling baseportion.

(8)

The sound output apparatus according to (6) or (7), in which thedetachable portion is formed by using a material with hardness lowerthan that of the coupling base portion.

(9)

The sound output apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8), in whichthe sound guiding pipe is elastically deformable against the speakerarrangement portion.

(10)

The sound output apparatus according to any one of (1) to (9), in whicha tip portion of the sound guiding pipe is in a state of beingnon-contact with the ear in a state of being worn on the ear.

(11)

The sound output apparatus according to any one of (1) to (10), in whichat least a part of the speaker arrangement portion and at least a partof the sound guiding pipe are integrally formed.

(12)

The sound output apparatus according to any one of (1) to (11), in whicha pair of the speaker arrangement portions, a pair of the sound guidingpipes and a pair of the speakers are provided.

(13)

The sound output apparatus according to any one of (1) to (12), in whicha battery that supplies power to the speaker is arranged at the speakerarrangement portion.

(14)

The sound output apparatus according to any one of (1) to (13), in whicha control board for wireless communication is arranged at the speakerarrangement portion.

(15)

The sound output apparatus according to any one of (1) to (14), in whicha first pressing portion and a second pressing portion, which arerespectively pressed against both faces of the auricle, are provided,and

the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion areelastically deformable in a direction in which the first pressingportion and the second pressing portion are brought into or out ofcontact with each other.

(16)

The sound output apparatus according to (15), in which a wear portion,which is bent such that a longitudinal direction becomes acircumferential direction, is provided, and

the first pressing portion and the second pressing Portion are providedat both end portions of the wear portion in the longitudinal direction.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   100 Ear-   101 Auricle-   150 Inner space-   114 Cavum concha-   1 Sound output apparatus-   2 Speaker arrangement portion-   3 Sound guiding pipe-   3 a Sound guiding space-   3 b Ear contact face-   6 a Abutting face-   8 Speaker-   10 Coupling base portion-   10 a Entry portion-   11 Detachable portion-   11 b Opening-   1A Sound output apparatus-   1B Sound output apparatus-   71 Sound output apparatus-   72 Wear portion-   92 First pressing portion-   93 Second pressing portion

What is claimed is:
 1. A sound output apparatus comprising: a speakerthat outputs sound; a speaker arrangement portion in which the speakeris arranged therein; and a sound guiding pipe in which one end portionis continuous with the speaker arrangement portion and an internal spaceis formed as a sound guiding space that leads the sound outputted fromthe speaker, wherein an opening that emits the sound toward an ear isformed at another end of the sound guiding pipe, and the sound outputapparatus is worn on the ear in a state where an outer peripheralportion of an auricle is sandwiched between a part of the speakerarrangement portion and a part of the sound guiding pipe such that theopening is positioned near an external auditory canal and does not comein contact with the ear, wherein a tip portion of the sound guiding pipeis also not in contact with the ear.
 2. The sound output apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the part of the sound guiding pipe isformed as an ear contact face in contact with the auricle, and the earcontact face is formed in a curved shape.
 3. The sound output apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the part of the speaker arrangementportion is formed as an abutting face that can be in contact with theauricle, and the abutting face is formed in a planar shape.
 4. The soundoutput apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sound guiding pipe isprovided with a coupling base portion, which is continuous with thespeaker arrangement portion, and a detachable portion, which isdetachable from the coupling base portion and has the opening.
 5. Thesound output apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the coupling baseportion is provided with an entry portion that enters the detachableportion when the detachable portion is attached to the coupling baseportion.
 6. The sound output apparatus according to claim 4, wherein thedetachable portion is formed by using a material with a hardness lowerthan that of the coupling base portion.
 7. The sound output apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein the sound guiding pipe is elasticallydeformable against the speaker arrangement portion.
 8. The sound outputapparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the speakerarrangement portion and at least a part of the sound guiding pipe areintegrally formed.
 9. The sound output apparatus according to claim 1,wherein a pair of the speaker arrangement portions, a pair of the soundguiding pipes and a pair of the speakers are provided.
 10. The soundoutput apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a battery that suppliespower to the speaker is arranged in the speaker arrangement portion. 11.The sound output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a control boardfor wireless communication is arranged in the speaker arrangementportion.
 12. The sound output apparatus according to claim 1, wherein afirst pressing portion and a second pressing portion, which arerespectively pressed against both faces of the auricle, are provided,and the first pressing portion and the second pressing portion areelastically deformable in a direction in which the first pressingportion and the second pressing portion are brought into or out ofcontact with each other.
 13. The sound output apparatus according toclaim 12, wherein a wear portion, which is bent such that a longitudinaldirection becomes a circumferential direction, is provided, and thefirst pressing portion and the second pressing portion are provided atboth end portions of the wear portion in the longitudinal direction.